Bronchopulmonary Infections in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Cirrhosis, due to excessive alcohol consumption, is associated with innate and adaptive immune dysfunctions, which predispose to the development of severe bacterial, viral but also fungal pneumonia. Pulmonary infection can trigger an acute-on-chronic-liver failure, a syndrome associated with high short-term mortality. The management of affected patients requires a prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy associated with the prevention of organ failures, especially renal failure. The intensive care unit (ICU) outcome of patients with cirrhosis and septic shock has improved over time but still remains high. Liver transplantation should be considered in patients with decompensated cirrhosis following severe pulmonary infection.